2 Lawsuits Filed Against Santa Clara Co After 2018 Inmate Deaths

SAN JOSE, CA — Back-to-back lawsuits were filed against Santa Clara County in federal court this month alleging mistreatment of two men who died in custody at county jails.

The lawsuits came after the May 8, 2018 death of 28-year-old Johnny Lozano Jr., and the Oct. 14, 2018 death of 23-year-old Isai Lopez. Sheriff's officials said Lozano died of a "preexisting health
condition" about one month after he was admitted to the hospital.

A lawsuit filed on behalf of his family on March 14 says the jail's "deliberate indifference" to his congestive heart failure led to his death. Lozano spent five years in custody awaiting trial for the
suspected murder of a San Jose State University student, and the lawsuit alleges his heart condition worsened significantly during this time.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Lopez's family March 15 disputes the sheriff's office's claim that the man likely died of suicide, and says he was beaten unconscious by officers prior to his death. Family members who protested outside the jail in the days after his death said he had wanted to work toward a new life after turning himself in for assault charges, and that he had not exhibited signs of mental illness.

It also names Sheriff Laurie Smith as a defendant. In addition to damages and court fees, the case seeks reform of the sheriff's office use-of-force and medical policies in regard to inmates.

In response to both lawsuits, the county said in a statement Tuesday that it does not comment on pending litigation. Both lawsuits are seeking jury trials. Lopez's family is being represented by the firm of Oakland civil rights attorney John Burris, and Lozano's family is being represented by San Jose law firm Powell & Associates.

—Bay City News